Family Fun in Cancun

For families staying in Cancun’s Hotel Zone who may want to take it easy the first day or two before exploring all the wonders of the Yucatan, there are a number of fun attractions in close proximity.

For example, the Maya Cancun Museum contains 350 archeological artifacts that include relics that have never been shown as well as others that were discovered in recent excavations. The museum has three exhibition halls, two permanent and one temporary venue for national and international exhibitions. An exhibition of 14,000-year-old skeletal remains is the first thing to explore when visitors enter the museum.

The Underwater Museum of Art (or in Spanish, Museo Subacuatico de Arte) is a non-profit organization devoted to conserving Cancun’s natural coral reefs. It has hundreds of sculptures within two galleries submerged between 13 and 26 feet under the water. There is a gallery on land with sculptures for those staying out of the water as well. The museum can be visited in various ways, including youngster-friendly glass bottom boat, scuba diving and snorkeling. Sites that can be seen underwater include geometric shapes, life-size statues of people, cars and more.

Just north of the museum is the Interactive Aquarium Cancun, home to nearly 1,200 species of fish, invertebrates, reptiles and aquatic mammals. A highlight here is the underwater Aquarium Trek, which can be done by adults and children over 8 years of age. Sea Trek equipment enable visitors to breathe naturally (and even wear glasses) while walking amidst numerous species of fish.

On Boulevard Kukulkán, Jungle Tour Cancún provides young and old adventurers alike with the opportunity to explore Cancun’s mangrove trees, coral reefs and more via a self-operated speed boat and snorkel gear. Snorkel guides will point out not-to-miss sites to swimmers and sailors along the way. The lagoon is home to wildlife, including leopard frogs, iguanas, white turtles, crabs and more. Included in the tour is a bilingual instructor to go over rules and instructions with participants, a two-passenger speed boat (priced per person) operated by a member of the guests’ party, and snorkel gear for 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling over the Punta Nizuc coral reef.

No matter what activity you decide, Cancun is the perfect place for a family vacation!